Prophet Isa AS: A Unique Perspective on His Life and Legacy in Islam
Prophet Isa AS, known as Jesus in Christianity, holds a profound position in Islam. Revered as one of the five great messengers (Ulul Azmi), his story is unique, encompassing miraculous events, his pivotal role as a prophet, and his eventual return to Earth. This article explores the life and legacy of Prophet Isa AS from a distinctive Islamic perspective, supported by verses from the Quran and authentic Hadiths.
Who Is Prophet Isa AS in Islam?
Prophet Isa AS is one of the 25 prophets mentioned explicitly in the Quran. Unlike the Christian understanding of Jesus as the son of God, Islam emphasizes his role as a prophet and servant of Allah. His birth, teachings, and ascension are all seen as miraculous signs of Allah’s power.
“And We made the son of Mary and his mother a sign, and We sheltered them on high ground, a peaceful place with flowing water.”
(Surah Al-Mu’minun, 23:50)
Prophet Isa AS is also recognized for his unwavering dedication to spreading monotheism and guiding the Children of Israel back to the worship of one God.
The Miraculous Birth of Prophet Isa AS
Prophet Isa’s life begins with a miracle: his birth to Maryam (Mary) without a father. This event is a testament to Allah’s omnipotence and is highlighted in the Quran:
“She said, ‘My Lord, how will I have a child when no man has touched me?’ [The angel] said, ‘Such is Allah; He creates what He wills. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is.”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:47)
Maryam’s faith and purity are celebrated in Islam, making her one of the most revered women in Islamic history. Prophet Isa AS’s miraculous birth was also a test of faith for Maryam, showcasing her strength and trust in Allah.
The Mission of Prophet Isa AS
Prophet Isa AS was sent as a messenger to the Children of Israel during a time of moral and spiritual decline. His mission was to reaffirm the message of Tawhid (the oneness of Allah) and correct the deviations in the practice of the Torah.
He performed miracles by Allah’s will, including healing the sick, bringing the dead to life, and creating birds from clay:
“I have come to you with a sign from your Lord: I will make for you a bird from clay, then breathe into it, and it will become a bird by the permission of Allah. I heal the blind and the leper, and I give life to the dead, by the permission of Allah.”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:49)
These miracles served to validate his prophethood and draw people toward Allah.
Prophet Isa AS and the Quran’s Clarification of His Status
A key distinction in the Islamic narrative of Prophet Isa AS is the rejection of his divinity. The Quran explicitly denies the concept of the Trinity and the claim that Isa AS is the son of God:
“Indeed, the example of Jesus to Allah is like that of Adam. He created him from dust; then He said to him, ‘Be,’ and he was.”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:59)
Muslims believe Prophet Isa AS was a human prophet who fulfilled his mission of conveying Allah’s message, emphasizing humility and submission to the Creator.
The Ascension of Prophet Isa AS
Unlike the Christian belief in crucifixion, Islam teaches that Prophet Isa AS was neither killed nor crucified. Instead, he was raised to the heavens by Allah:
“And [for] their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.’ And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them.”
(Surah An-Nisa, 4:157)
Prophet Isa AS’s ascension is a pivotal event, affirming his protected status as a prophet and setting the stage for his eventual return to Earth.
The Return of Prophet Isa AS
One of the unique aspects of Prophet Isa AS in Islamic eschatology is his prophesied return before the Day of Judgment. He will descend to restore justice, defeat the false Messiah (Dajjal), and unite humanity under the banner of monotheism.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, son of Maryam (Jesus) will shortly descend among you as a just ruler. He will break the cross, kill the swine, and abolish the Jizyah (tax for non-Muslims).”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 3448)
This return signifies a culmination of his mission and serves as a reminder of Allah’s divine wisdom and justice.
Lessons from the Life of Prophet Isa AS
The story of Prophet Isa AS carries timeless lessons for Muslims and humanity at large:
- Faith in Allah’s Power: His miraculous birth and life events illustrate the limitless power of Allah.
- Dedication to Tawhid: Prophet Isa AS’s unwavering commitment to monotheism is a model for all believers.
- Humility and Compassion: Despite his extraordinary abilities, he remained a humble servant of Allah, teaching kindness and empathy.
- Reliance on Divine Wisdom: His ascension and prophesied return emphasize trusting in Allah’s plan.
Conclusion
Prophet Isa AS’s story is a testament to the unity of Allah’s message across time and the continuity of prophethood. His life offers a profound reminder of Allah’s mercy, power, and justice. By understanding his role in Islam, Muslims can strengthen their faith and appreciate the interconnectedness of divine guidance.
The Quran encapsulates his mission beautifully:
“[Jesus said], ‘Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.’”
(Surah Maryam, 19:30)
May we all draw inspiration from Prophet Isa AS’s life and strive to embody his dedication to Allah and compassion for humanity.
This article provides a fresh and comprehensive perspective on Prophet Isa AS, blending theological insights with practical lessons, making it relevant and engaging for contemporary audiences.
